Mazzaella flaccida

This properties of this extraordinary alga provide a remarkable vehicle
for investigating diverse area of physics, ecology, engineering, and
biology. Mazzaella's (Iridaea's) isomorphic
life history offers a textbook example of a typical red algal triphasic
existence. The reflective and refractive properties of its multilayered
cuticle can be employed in explaining the phenomenon of iridescence.
The mechanical properties of M.flaccida's thallus offer insights
into algal adaptations to mechanical stress. Its behavior in flow helps
to elucidate the consequences of wave forces on the distribution of intertidal
algae. Last but not least, the sight of iridescent Mazzaellan thalli
flowing subtidally always inspires even the most exhausted student of
biology with a renewed awe for the beauty of marine algae.